10 Amazing Movie Practical Effects And How They Did It
6. 2001: A Space Odyssey - The Star-Gate Sequence
2001: A Space Odyssey is widely agreed to be one of the greatest and most influential science fiction films of all time. A truly epic film detailing humanities ascension from ape to masters of the universe, Kubrick meticulously created visuals which still look fantastic 50 years after its release. So convincing was his moon landing scene, which was actually filmed before Apollo 11 touched down a year later, that many to this day cite it as evidence that Kubrick himself shot the moon landing on a studio in Hollywood.
The iconic star-gate sequence blew audiences minds back in 1968. In a time where computer generated effects were practically non existent, audiences were baffled as to how Kubrick was able to create such vibrant visuals in real life.
The effect was created via excellent use of Streak photography, or Time-lapse photography as many may know it. By keeping the shutter open for up to 5 minutes per frame of film, cinematographer Douglas Trumbull was able to create a rig that flashed fluorescent tubing and other images across the lens to painstakingly create the finished effect.
Hundreds of hours of hard work later and and arguably the most famous practical effect in cinematic history was created, nabbing the special effects Oscar in the process.